Like other prestige manufacturers, Lincoln needed a more moderately priced car to help it endure the tough times of the post-Depression era. It responded with a November 1935 introduction of the Zephyr for the 1936 model year. The streamlined teardrop styling was credited to designer John Tjaarda of the Briggs Body Company with help from a young Ford designer named Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie. The name echoed that of the new streamlined modern diesel trains in operation on the Burlington Railroad. Ultimately, the trio was credited for fashioning the first successful streamlined car in America.

The Lincoln-Zephyr was powered by a new, small V-12 engine derived from the standard Ford flathead V-8. Despite the advanced styling and novel V-12, parent FoMoCo was never happy with sales; yet of 18,994 Lincolns sold in its first year (1936), 17,715 were Zephyrs; arguably keeping the Lincoln division of Ford alive. Production of the Zephyr continued through 1948 (excluding 1942–1945), though the Zephyr name was dropped in 1947. The following year marked the model’s final year of production.

This stunning three-window coupe was purchased by the consignor from former President of the Lincoln-Zephyr Club, Hank Dikkeboom, whose personal shop professionally restored the vehicle to exacting standards more than 10 years ago. “The restoration belies its age and appears much newer and fresher,” adds the consignor. Painted a striking shade of black cherry, it is reputed to have been ordered new for George Parker, the founder of the Parker Pen Company. Parker was said to have been chauffeur-driven in the car during his ownership. All options on the car were in place from new and not added at the time of the restoration. It is equipped with radio and heater, along with rear fender skirts that add to the drama of the incredibly sleek and stylish three-window coupe body new for 1937. Lincoln advertised it as having a “swift-flowing, rhythmic appearance.”

During its ownership by Mr. Dikkeboom, the car was the recipient of a Gregorie Award from the Lincoln-Zephyr Club, which judges both the restoration and authenticity and requires the car to have scored at least 96 out of 100 points. In addition, this is the first year of the three-passenger three-window coupe, which is considered the most desirable body style among collectors today. The car is very nicely detailed underhood and shows only minor use on the undercarriage. During the restoration, the car was also fitted with an overdrive unit to ensure effortless highway cruising.

It is a beautiful example of the streamline styling with Art Deco detailing from an important era of the automobile that its new owner will be proud to show and drive.